Florida Just Became The Latest State To Abolish The 'Tampon Tax'

Florida just joined the growing list of states that have put an end to the so-called “tampon tax.”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a law on Thursday making feminine hygiene products including tampons, pads and menstrual cups tax-exempt, the AP reports. The law goes into effect in January.

The measure was part of a larger $180 million tax cut package.

The majority of states across the country subject menstrual products to sales taxes because they’re considered a “luxury” item.

But opponents of the standard argue that feminine products are a necessity and that taxing them is effectively a tax on menstruation. (The Tax Foundation, the conservative-leaning non-profit, has countered that ideally, sales tax should apply to all consumer products, regardless of whether they’re a “necessity” or “luxury.”)

According to the AP, Florida now joins 13 other states that, in addition to Washington D.C., have exempt menstrual products from sales tax or do not have a sales tax at all. Measures doing away with the tax have enjoyed unusually bi-partisan support in state legislators, prompting media outlets to call them “viral legislation.” Florida, for example, is a politically purple state with a decidedly mixed record on reproductive and women’s rights ― yet the change was supported by progressive and conservative lawmakers alike.

“This common sense legislation will result in a tax savings for women all over the state who purchase these necessary products,” Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), who originally filed the bill, said in a press release.

However, not all states have jumped onboard. California, a traditionally blue state, tried to pass such a measure last year. It failed when Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed it despite broad support in the House and Senate.